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THE Bendigo Pioneers fell less than a goal short of opening their NAB League Girls season with a win against country rivals Greater Western Victoria on Saturday.
The Pioneers outscored the Rebels 21-8 over the final three quarters.
However, it wasn't enough to erase the 18-point deficit GWV led by at quarter-time after the Rebels got off to a flyer, kicking the first three goals of the match.
The strong start proved the catalyst for the Rebels' 4.3 (27) to 3.4 (22) victory at Craigieburn's RAMS Arena - part of an opening day triple-header at the ground.
"It was a commendable performance from the girls in what were really windy conditions with a cross breeze across the ground, which made scoring difficult," Pioneers coach Shawn McCormick said.
"The girls showed a lot of resilience considering the Rebels got the jump in the first quarter and we were forced to play catch-up footy.
"It's disappointing to get beaten by a tight margin, but I thought the girls applied themselves well and we'll take a lot out of it moving forward."
The Pioneers' side featured eight players in their first NAB League Girls game.
Bendigo's best players included Maeve Tupper on a wing, key defender Katlin Mitchell and midfielder Eloise Gretgrix.
In a positive sign for the Pioneers, Jordyn Jolliffe kicked two goals in her return from a lengthy injury lay-off with a back problem.
"That was her first game for 12 months… she will be better for the run and will take a lot of confidence out of it," McCormick said.
The Pioneers' other goal was kicked by Madeline Barton.
The Pioneers have next weekend off before their first home game of the season against the Eastern Ranges at Epsom-Huntly on March 16.
Saturday was the second time in their three meetings since the formation of the competition in 2017 that the Pioneers have lost to the Rebels by five points.
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MATCH DETAILS:
Greater Western Victoria Rebels 4.3 (27) d Bendigo Pioneers 3.4 (22).
Bendigo goals - J. Jolliffe 2, M. Barton.
Bendigo best - M. Tupper, E. Gretgrix, K. Mitchell, B. Hards, D. Villiva, K. Douglass.
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